T20 v Somerset 2nd June 2023

[Paul W]

Josh De Caires is added to an otherwise unchanged squad-

https://www.middlesexccc.com/news/2023/06/squad-preview-vitality-blast-vs-somerset

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Thilan and Toby expected to come into the team tomorrow and on Sunday.

[Paul W]

Someone who I reckon could well be John Simpson's dad (we know for certain his mum sometimes posts) has something to say about Simmo's omission on the club's Facebook page....

At this stage it may simply be that Simmo has been given a few games off to recharge his batteries, so it doesn't have to mean something is up. The next few weeks will tell.

[Jonathan Winsky]

Considering Somerset will enter this match with a 100% winning record and Middlesex have a 100% losing record, our best hope of winning this match would be if there is some complacency on Somerset’s part. You never know, as I have seen it happen in football.

After selecting the same XI for each of our first three matches in this competition, it seems that we are shaking off our reluctance to make changes, and possibly proving me to be incorrect in projecting that our line-up would not be likely at any point to begin looking different to what we selected at the start of our campaign.

Josh de Caires has had a mixture of good/quick-scoring innings, less impressive innings, economical bowling performances and expensive bowling performances in our 2nd XI’s Twenty20 campaign, so if he is selected, then we will have to see how he gets on. It would be interesting to see which player loses their place to accommodate him. I am not sure how much bowling he would be required to do, as Luke Hollman and Nathan Fernandes often get through matches without bowling their full allocation, which would cast doubt as to whether we would find ourselves seeking overs of part-time spin. The fact that Fernandes, in particular, often bowls less than his full allocation means that I have potentially answered my own question about who could make way for de Caires.

As Toby Roland-Jones has long been amongst our more reliable T20 players, while Thilan Walallawita had a decent campaign in 2022, it would not be a great surprise if they finally make their first T20 appearances of the season, or a maiden 1st XI appearance of the season in Walallawita’s case.

I am glad to see that Jack Davies appears to be set for a run in our side.

It would not be a great surprise if something has happened behind the scenes between John Simpson and our management, as Middlesex appears not to be a club where ambitious players are likely to wish to play T20 cricket. It seems that at any given moment, there are certain counties which are perceived by players and agents as being a great place to play cricket, and there are certain counties where the opposite is true, although people looking in from the outside are often oblivious about all of this. I feel sad about how our T20 resources have depleted since 2019, and I would have thought that Simmo would feel a greater level of sadness about this considering Middlesex CCC presumably plays a greater role in Simmo’s life than mine. If he (or his agent if he has one) feels that his future is better served elsewhere, then I could understand that. As I wrote yesterday, he would have hoped for a strong T20 Blast campaign, as I think this might be a prerequisite in order to be signed as a wildcard at The Hundred (as opposed to it being the case that players could alternatively be signed as a wildcard on the strength of past performances), in which he represented Northern Superchargers in the two previous seasons before not being retained for 2023. I know that many Middlesex supporters are not that interested in The Hundred, but I cannot begrudge players seeking to play in it in order to serve their bank balance, I mean their ambitions.

Somerset have named a 13-man squad for this match (https://somersetcountycc.co.uk/news/first-xi/vitality-blast-preview-somerset-v-middlesex/) consisting of Lewis Gregory*, Tom Abell, Kasey Aldridge, Tom Banton, Shoaib Bashir, Josh Davey, Ben Green, Matt Henry, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Tom Lammonby, Peter Siddle, Will Smeed and Roelof van der Merwe. Just above the part of the preview in which the squad is listed, it says “Craig Overton returns to the squad after being rested for the game at Kent”, yet his name is not listed in the squad!

[Paul W]

JW-

The conspiracy theory (not one I'm subscribing to yet) would be we are so short of cash we will need to let any senior players who are out of contract at the end of the season (TRJ and Simmo) go to save money. Or it could be the other way round- as in this is Simmo's testimonial year, he's most unlikely to ever get another England call up, and maybe he's the kind of player who wants to retire at the top of his game (35 in a few weeks time), rather than carry on to the point where he isn't worth his place. Or, maybe we've offered him a deal and he's said, 'I want to think about it' which might not be the full commitment we were hoping for. We're past 1st June, so if he wanted a deal with someone likely to win something, he is now able to enter negotiations.

We'll have to see if his absence is just a few matches, or if it becomes something longer.

TRJ I assume will stay, as he must be due his testimonial next year.

[adelaide]

JW-

The conspiracy theory (not one I'm subscribing to yet) would be we are so short of cash we will need to let any senior players who are out of contract at the end of the season (TRJ and Simmo) go to save money. Or it could be the other way round- as in this is Simmo's testimonial year, he's most unlikely to ever get another England call up, and maybe he's the kind of player who wants to retire at the top of his game (35 in a few weeks time), rather than carry on to the point where he isn't worth his place. Or, maybe we've offered him a deal and he's said, 'I want to think about it' which might not be the full commitment we were hoping for. We're past 1st June, so if he wanted a deal with someone likely to win something, he is now able to enter negotiations.

We'll have to see if his absence is just a few matches, or if it becomes something longer.

TRJ I assume will stay, as he must be due his testimonial next year.

That's a heck of a conspiracy theory and one that seems inconsistent with Simmo having been selected for the first four matches and the suggestion that Toby is hoping to be playing tonight. I'm inclined to the simpler explanation, that Simmo hasn't shone with the bat so far in T20 this year, had a poorish game against Glos both sides of the stumps, and Davies had done what we always ask the 2nd XI to do and put up a performance that demands selection.

It will be "interesting" to see what happens with the bowling after the deconstruction of Helm and Higgins. That sort of final overs mayhem is always a strong possibility when two more than competent strikers of the ball have been in for more than ten overs. Their hitting did not seem like slogging, whereas even the Eski/Cracknell partnership seemed to me to have a slight air of desperation about it. We seem to have issues getting people out in the middle overs but then we seem to have problems with most aspects of T20! Money must be part of it; we have one overseas, probably more of a red ball player. Surrey lose Abbott and the cry goes up "get in another overseas", though to be fair they lose more than their fair share of their domestic players to England, the IPL and so on. If we gave more priority to T20 it would probably be at a cost to the CC.

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Definite clarification is required from the club on the Simmo situation. A below-par performance against Glos, compounded by an inexplicable failure to reach a comfortable target with poor shot selection and openly criticized by the captain with reference to a ''brain fade'', followed by not being selected for the following match and apparently a controversial post from his Dad on the official Facebook page.,querying his omission. Now excluded completely from the squad and not traveling West for the next two fixtures.No word from the county as to his fitness or lack of it, nor any indication he's been rested or rotated. I sincerely hope there is no problem, but with the added pressure of a testimonial season, losing his franchise gig in The Hundred, and the end of his current contract imminent there must be concern as to the future.

[Paul W]

Unless there was another post I didn't see Jack Simpson's post is still there. It's just that now it is no longer the lead post and you have to click on 'replies' for it to come up.

Saying some of the bowling was nothing short of a disgrace would be fine if one of us posted it, but probably ill judged if you are the father of one of the players. He also said 'If the club is pinning the blame on Simpson for the defeat against Gloucestershire which obviously you are, then it's in a bigger mess than people imagine'

In itself there is nothing wrong in saying that- but is he saying it with John Simpson's blessing, or is it just a loyal dad defending his son?

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Middle put in, Tobes replaces Blake.

[Jonathan Winsky]

My expectation was that if Toby Roland-Jones was to come in for this match, then it would be Tom Helm rather than Blake Cullen who would make way considering the contrast in Helm and Cullen’s bowling figures for Middlesex v Glamorgan on Wednesday.

Cullen’s economy on Wednesday was 5.75. If we fail to score 115 today (which presently looks some way off), and all of our bowlers maintain an economy of 5.75, then as impressive as our bowlers’ performance would have therefore been, we would still lose!

[Jonathan Winsky]

Middlesex’s total of 136 feels on the low side. Then again, the two previous Twenty20 matches at Taunton this season haven’t been high-scoring, so maybe Somerset will find it slightly challenging. However, I am not sure how likely it is that we might, dare I say, actually win the match.

The runs from Jack Davies and Martin Andersson at least got us to a higher total than it looked like we would post when we were 73-6. At that point, I feared that we would completely fold, which as it turned out, we ended up doing once Davies was out. At least we passed 115!

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Jonathan, your pessimistic attitude is somewhat depressing, The consistent fear of failure you express demonstrates a certain insecurity in yourself and Middlesex is unhealthy, We know we are experiencing a poor T20 campaign, but far better to assume an optimistic approach and show some encouragement to our struggling lads. Your passion is not in doubt, but your belief is sadly lacking, big up the boys and you'll feel much better, regards to Leon!

[Paul W]

Jonathan's pessimism turned out to be entirely justified.

when it comes to supporting Middlesex in T20 being pessimistic means once or twice out of fourteen games you might get a pleasant surprise.

If you are optimistic twelve times out of fourteen you will be disappointed.

Our players didn't look like they wanted to be out there tonight. Some of the fielding was below club standard, never mind professional standard.

On an optimistic note- At least I can watch 'Have I got News for you?' as broadcast. I thought I would have to watch it later on catch up, but fortunately the game ended half an hour early.

[MIDDLE EXILE]

With such an attitude mate, I'm surprised you bother to watch them at all. Supposedly it's because you delight in coming on here and slagging them off all the time.

[Jonathan Winsky]

It is difficult to feel positive about Middlesex’s Twenty20 side, as our form is poor, and our squad is a pale imitation of 2019. Tonight’s result is unlikely to lift the mood of anyone at Middlesex!

I am aware that I have plenty of insecurities. Also, I admit that I have a certain desire for us to lose in this format considering I often predict us to lose in Know Your Cricket, and I often find the idea of us getting to the knockout stages of competitions stressful on the basis that I may have to rearrange any plans I had for when the matches are scheduled for, as well as make up new plans. I don’t have any plans for 15th July, so my only worry about the idea of Middlesex getting to T20 finals day would be finding someone to give my dad and I a lift there, which we were successful in getting through MTWD in 2008, although as we only had one offer, I feel very lucky to have been successful. However, if we reach the final of the One-Day Cup on 16th September, then that would probably involve missing a Watford Football Club match than I would have visualised myself attending (despite the 2023/24 fixtures yet to have been announced, I have already visualised myself at many of the grounds and railway stations that I would visit if the matches take place at convenient times and if the trade unions actually let me travel by rail instead of having to travel by club coach). My fear of progressing in competitions that either end with a knockout phase or is entirely knockout applies to Watford too, as matches get moved all over the place when teams go on cup runs.

I am so insecure, that although I have just written that I like to do well in Know Your Cricket, there is a part of me that doesn’t want to do too well, as I won the whole competition in 2019, but it didn’t really give me the feeling of euphoria that I hoped (and maybe some people expected) it would give me. I don’t think I will win in 2023, but if I do, then I would probably get another invite to the end of season dinner, so that would involve taking time off work, which I feel reluctant to do.

I admit to liking gallows humour, and I think I use it as a coping mechanism.

[Peter H]

With such an attitude mate, I'm surprised you bother to watch them at all. Supposedly it's because you delight in coming on here and slagging them off all the time.

If Jonathan can't come on here and criticise the team, or at least vocalise his disappointment, then where can he go for his cathartic release? This is as much a site for getting rid of exasperated tension as being a site for positive praise (which might be tautology for all I know...).

When we do well I'm as keen on bigging up the team as anyone, but when we are going through a phase where not only are results going against us but performances aren't meeting previous standards, then I'm all for saying what I think. Even if it's not that positive.

Tonight is a good example. We averaged 7.28 an over which would have got us a grand total of 145 if only we could bat for 20 overs. But we couldn't. Five batters were out for single figure scores. The opposition scored over 10 an over with none of their batters scoring fewer than 25. And we only managed one wicket.

So far this campaign we only have two bowlers who are not giving up 9+ runs an over. Our best bowler, Blake Cullen, is going for 8.2 an over. Martin Andersson has an economy of 8.64 an over. Our opponents have scored 932 runs off 548 balls at an average of 10.2 an over. Meanwhile our batting has scored 821 runs across 560 balls for an average of 8.8 an over.

I am going to Finals Day and I would be ecstatic if I could see The Middle there, but I know I won't.

[MIDDLE EXILE]

My reply was directed to Paul W who rarely has a good word for anybody, and certainly not to Jonathan W whose enlightening contributions always make entertaining reading, he does need to cheer up a little bit though, and stop worrying so much.

[Paul W]

'Middle Exile'

We all know exactly who you are, because you obviously want us to know exactly who you are.

Have a look at the club's Facebook page and twitter (I do neither). Across social media I have read comments from over 50 Middlesex supporters, and not one of them has anything positive to say about our T20 performances this season, because there is nothing positive to say.

So my comments are bang in line with what everyone else is saying. Not better, not worse- just in line with what everyone is thinking.

So why aren't you chasing after all the negative posters on Facebook and twitter? Why are you on this forum trying to needle people (not just me) and provoke a reaction? It's not going to work this time. Apart from this post your attempts to provoke a reaction are just going to wash over me.

Edit to add- Having had another look at the comments on Facebook, my comments are definitely on the mild side compared to most- so why go after me?

[Peter H]

My reply was directed to Paul W who rarely has a good word for anybody, and certainly not to Jonathan W whose enlightening contributions always make entertaining reading, he does need to cheer up a little bit though, and stop worrying so much.


Well, you need to make that clear in your posts, don't you? ;)

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Who are The 'we' you refer to Paul W?I care not if you know who I am,It is you alone I have problems with in respect of your repeated sarcastic and dismissive posts which add nothing to the discussion.I would prefer not to engage with you at all. It was you who chose to intervene when I offered some hopefully helpful advice to my friend Jonathan. Best if you stay away from my posts and I'll undertake to ignore yours as well.

[MIDDLE EXILE]

I thought I had by replying directly to Paul W, sorry if you were confused.

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Well, you need to make that clear in your posts, don't you? ;)

I thought I had by replying directly to Paul W's post.My apologies if you were confused.